Moving to a new home will undoubtedly come with some level of stress. While it’s nearly impossible to eliminate all stress, people planning a big move can at least take proactive steps to bring stress levels down by adding some “de-stress” activities to each day. The following can help alleviate at least a portion of the pressure.
1. Create a Moving Checklist
Making a checklist and routinely ticking items off of it in the months and weeks leading up to the move helps you stay organized and ensures that you don’t miss any critical steps. Leaving things until the last minute creates a high-stress atmosphere and leaves it to chance that you will overlook something essential.
2. Start Packing Early
Once you’ve decided to move, start gathering boxes and pack up lesser-used items. Packing often turns out to be more time-consuming than anticipated. Plan to do one carton a day or at least a few a week – this will significantly reduce stress levels as moving day approaches. Don’t forget to label boxes to ensure you transfer them to the correct room at the other end of the move.
3. Book Movers Ahead of Time
Getting estimates when you know you’re relocating and making a contract with a preferred mover is best to keep stress levels down. This way, people who are moving know they don’t have to scramble to find transport vehicles and family and friends to help. Booking a mover early also ensures your preferred dates are available—plus, early bookings typically have the best prices!
4. Do Relaxation Exercises
During the hustle and bustle, try to take a few minutes every day to decompress and relax. For example, take a quick walk or do a short yoga session. Doing deep breathing at intervals during the day can also do wonders to reduce stress levels.
5. Eat Healthily
Living on caffeine and pizza seems like it’ll reduce stress, but in the long run, it’ll lead to being tired and low on energy right when you need it the most. Better foods include:
- Green, leafy veggies
- Yogurt
- Blueberries
- Oranges
- Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Green tea
Plan to have healthy snacks on hand and, in the weeks before the move, have prepped meals stashed in the freezer to help boost energy levels, reduce headaches, and eliminate hangry feelings. Eating poorly leads to feeling awful, which can lead to stress.
6. Create Music Playlists
Music tends to be soothing and generate good feelings. So, set up a few playlists in the weeks before the move. Start with an energetic one to help motivate packing, cleaning, and other tasks, then create a second one to play for relaxation—classical music, gentle sounds, or whatever helps bring a calming feeling.
7. Get Good Sleep
It can be tempting to burn the midnight oil several times a week to get tasks done, but over time this leads to sleep deficits which can cause stress, not to mention health problems. So instead, plan to get a healthy amount of sleep each night; your body will thank you for it! And you’ll probably get a lot more done during the day too.
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